The Economic Times

Cornell fenced deer out of 6 plots in New York and watched them for 18 years; every protected plot grew trees, while nearby open plots had almost none

A long-term study by researchers at Cornell University revealed that deer populations are affecting eastern forests significantly. These deer have decreased the number of woody plants by half in open plots over 18 years. In contrast, fenced plots, which excluded deer, retained a sustainable number of trees. Furthermore, deer have caused an increase in seed diversity, resulting in a more varied plant community.